Three ER visits in 20 hours: how Texas's abortion ban shaped an 18-year-old's final day
ProPublica reconstructed the death of Nevaeh Crain, who showed signs of sepsis while miscarrying and waited for a second ultrasound before intensive care.
Nevaeh Crain, 18 and six months pregnant, went to Texas emergency rooms three times in about 20 hours in October 2023. The first diagnosed strep throat; the second noted signs of sepsis but sent her home. On the third visit, as she miscarried, an obstetrician ordered a second ultrasound to confirm fetal death before moving her to intensive care. She died hours later.
ProPublica reporters Lizzie Presser and Kavitha Surana reviewed more than 800 pages of records with nine doctors, who said there was no medical reason for the delay. Doctors told them fear of prosecution under Texas's ban, which carries up to 99 years in prison, is leading hospitals to hesitate or transfer pregnant patients. Texas had won rulings from Trump-appointed judges exempting it from federal guidance saying emergency rooms must provide abortions needed to stabilize patients; in 2025 the Trump administration withdrew that guidance nationwide.
The receipts
Original reporting. Credit belongs to these outlets and authors; read the full stories at the source.
ProPublica by Lizzie Presser and Kavitha Surana
A pregnant teenager died after trying to get care in three visits to Texas emergency rooms